Get the Facts on Fracking at Free Public Seminar Series

National experts both for and against hydraulic fracturing will speak on issues

EVANSTON, Ill. --- What is fracking and why all the controversy about it? One thing is for sure: it’s happening across the country right now. A free public seminar series at Northwestern University in April will address the critical issues and opportunities related to this new technology.

National experts, both for and against hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, will discuss for a general audience the method being used to extract oil and natural gas from rock deep within the earth. The goal of the series is to enlighten rather than to conclude.

The five experts, representing universities, the petroleum industry and the Congressional Research Service, will speak at four seminars held throughout the month at the Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. (The schedule is below.)

The impact of hydraulic fracturing cannot be underestimated. In the past decade, the United States has moved from being a potential importer of natural gas to being poised to pass Russia as the largest producer of natural gas in the world.

“There is understandable concern and anxiety about this technology,” said Charles H. Dowding, a rock mechanics expert who organized the seminar series. “Additional research, regulation and education of specialists are needed to ensure environmentally sustainable production of oil and gas. We are offering our speakers and audiences a neutral environment in which to address related issues.”

Recent advances in drilling technology have resulted in an increased emphasis on tight shale gas, natural gas locked in joints and pockets within low-porosity rock. This source rock can be found in almost every region of the U.S., making hydraulic fracturing a national issue.

All seminars will be held in Room LR5 in the Technological Institute. The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions at the end of each session.